The Interpretive Center provides comprehensive interactive programs for schools, scout, and civic groups on the 5.5-mile Project Learning Tree Trail. Outdoor Learning Stations with informational kiosks and "talking trees" are located along the trails.
Sensory Awareness Trail: Take a stroll through the forest and use your five senses to explore and discover nature. Stop to listen to the two talking trees.
ABC Arboretum: Follow the trail and discover a tree or shrub for each letter of the alphabet from A to Z.
Forest Products Loop:
At the bee-keeping station find out "What is the buzz about honey?"
Sugar Shack
Experience the tradition of making delicious maple syrup at our sugar shack located in the swamp red maple grove.
Sawmill
See our foresters cut logs on our portable woodmizer sawmill.
Watershed Investigations: Explore the headwaters of the Toms River, which flows through the FREC site. Visit the watershed kiosk to learn about the benefits of riparian forest buffers.
Enjoy recreational trout fishing and a stroll along the streamside path.
Wildlife Habitats:
Discover signs of animals in the forest along the trail. See wildlife habitat enhancements that have been implemented at the learning station.
Forestry Management Demonstration Plots:
Hike through a Pine Savanna, Two-Year Aged Stand, Prescribed Burn Site, and Tree Farm Kiosk.
Seeds to Trees Nursery Tour:
Schedule a tour for your group of the NJ Forest Tree Nursery, visit the greenhouse, seedroom, and assist in planting acorns.
Special Events:
Each year, the Forest Resource Education Center hosts two special events:
Spring Conservation Day and Fall Forestry Festival for the general public, civic organizations, scout groups and families. These annual events feature many of the following activities and demonstrations:
Acorn Planting
Wildlife Habitat Gardening
Interpretive Guided Hikes
Sensory Awareness Trail Experience
Old Fashioned Two Person Saw
Maple Sugaring
Oak Basket Weaving Demonstrations
Sawmill Demonstrations
NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife
Forest Fire Service Exhibit
Tree Arts & Crafts
Autumn Hayride Tours
Bluebird Trail Hike
Jersey Shore Trout Unlimited
Tree Seedling Nursery Tour
Beekeeping Demonstrations
Horse Logging Demonstrations
Master Gardeners
Master Composters
Blacksmith Demonstrations
Chainsaw Carving
Greenhouse Tours
Antique Tractors
Traditional Decoy Carving
Tree Climbing Demonstrations
Building Birdhouses
Tree & Shrub Pruning Techniques
Tour of New Interpretive Center